Financial issues found leading up to Mental Health Commissioner appointment

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Attorney General has shed light on financial troubles seen in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commissioner Allie Friesen's past. The Commissioner then allegedly sent an email to employees calling out the AG on that.

"How can we expect a taxpayer who doesn't properly handle their own personal finances to be in charge of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars?" Attorney General Gentner Drummond posted on social media Wednesday night, along with several past Tax Commission documents that showed Commissioner Friesen received liens from the state for several years of unpaid taxes.

Drummond is running for Oklahoma's Governor, and recently called for Friesen's firing after lawmakers found several dozen million dollars were missing from the department.

The documents the Drummond posted on Wednesday showed that Commissioner Friesen's recent lien on her property was released a day before Governor Stitt announced her appointment as Mental Health Commissioner.

When Stitt's office was asked if they knew about the financial troubles leading up to her appointment and for a statement, they responded with, "Her taxes are paid. This is a desperate campaign tactic by Gentner Drummond. Oklahomans see through his game, and I’m sure they truly wish he would return to the work their taxpayers are paying him to do."

This comes as her department is under much scrutiny. The state auditor's office released findings from a scathing audit that reported their preliminary recommendations included hiring a qualified CFO with state government financial experience as soon as possible, evaluating the qualifications of recent executive hires, and scrutinizing recent and ongoing terminations to ensure they aren’t retaliatory.

An anonymous employee under the Department of Mental Health sent News 4 an email that was allegedly sent by Commissioner Friesen, which reacted to the AG's social media post.

It reads in part:

"A Message from Commissioner Friesen: Recent Social Media Post

Team,

I want to address a recent social media post made by the Attorney General regarding tax liens that were filed against me personally— an issue that is, without question, fully resolved. These matters have been paid in full, long ago, and are not reflective of my ability to lead or serve. To be very clear: this is a non-issue being weaponized for political gain.

What is an issue and one I cannot ignore—is the blatant violation of character, the disturbing misuse of public office, and the sustained campaign of political bullying I have endured from the Attorney General of our state. His anger toward me stems from one thing: I was the first leader in Oklahoma to remove him from a position of influence—and that decision was the right one.

This is what it looks like when someone with power chooses to abuse it rather than use it for good. His post wasn't about accountability. It wasn't about truth. It was about retaliation. It was about ego.

Let me say this plainly: we will not be distracted by individuals who see our agency's financial challenges-and our bold, courageous leadership to transform this system— as an opportunity to attack, rather than a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder in service to the people of Oklahoma.

It is disheartening that some view our work as a threat to their influence. It is disappointing that, instead of leaning in to support meaningful reform, they choose to tear down those who are willing to do the hard work. But I will not be deterred and neither should you.

To every single employee: You may not agree with every decision we make as an administration. That's okay. That's healthy. But you do have a choice in whether you support good over evil. And make no mistake—this kind of response is exactly what happens when you call out corruption. If we weren't doing something right, they wouldn't come for us like this.

Our mission remains clear. Our purpose is stronger than ever. And as your Commissioner, I will continue to stand firmly-for you, for our organization, and for the people we serve.

We will keep moving forward. We will keep doing what's right—even when it's hard. And we will not let those who thrive on intimidation, manipulation, or fear define who we are or what we accomplish.

With Appreciation,

Allie Friesen

Email from anonymous public employee of Dept. of Mental Health

"I'm deeply concerned that a lot of what we've heard from the commissioner seems to be the position of the governor. I'm concerned about ongoing leadership," said Senator Julia Kirt (D-OKC).

Commissioner Friesen responded to the AG's posts to News 4 and said, "The Friesen family has fulfilled all tax obligations, and the matter referenced was fully resolved with the Oklahoma Tax Commission prior to Commissioner Friesen’s confirmation. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services remains firmly committed to transparency and accountability. Under Commissioner Friesen’s leadership, the agency has taken proactive steps to bring to light and address long-standing financial and operational issues. We continue to work closely with Governor Stitt, legislative leaders and have actively sought independent audits and investigations to ensure integrity in all aspects of our operations."